Barwon Heads Primary School vs Our Lady Star of the Sea School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in Victoria, 5.1 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Barwon Heads Primary School
Barwon Heads · Government primary · Prep-6
416 students · ICSEA 1120
Our Lady Star of the Sea School
Ocean Grove · Catholic primary · Prep-6
593 students · ICSEA 1092
| Measure | Barwon Heads Primary School Barwon Heads VIC | Our Lady Star of the Sea School Ocean Grove VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 78 Top 10% | 72 Top 25% |
| State rank (type) | #166 of 1,290 | #346 of 1,290 |
| National rank (type) | #317 of 4,908 | #803 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Catholic |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | Prep-6 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 416 | 593 |
| Girls / boys | 224 / 192 | 293 / 300 |
| Foundation intake | 48 | 66 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -19% | +9% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1120 | 1092 |
| ICSEA percentile | 89th | 82th |
| Top SEA quarter | 48% | 34% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 4% | 6% |
| Students per teacher | 12.7 | 14.8 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 32.8 | 40.2 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 8.6 | 19.4 |
| Language background other than English | 2% | 1% |
| Indigenous students | 1% | 3% |
| Suburb | Barwon Heads 3227 | Ocean Grove 3226 |
| Council area | Greater Geelong | Greater Geelong |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Inner Regional |
| Website | bhps.education/ | www.staroceangrove.catholic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Barwon Heads Primary School scores higher on the Success Index (78.1 vs 72.3).
- •Barwon Heads Primary School has the higher ICSEA (1120 vs 1092), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Barwon Heads Primary School has fewer students per teacher (12.7 vs 14.8).
- •Our Lady Star of the Sea School is the larger school with 593 students compared with 416.
- •Our Lady Star of the Sea School has grown faster over five years (9% vs -19%).
- •Barwon Heads Primary School is a government school while Our Lady Star of the Sea School is a catholic school, so fees and enrolment rules differ.
The Success Index summarises community advantage, resourcing and momentum from ACARA data. It does not measure teaching quality, results or fit. Methodology.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Barwon Heads Primary School better than Our Lady Star of the Sea School?
On the Success Index, Barwon Heads Primary School ranks higher (78.1 vs 72.3 out of 100). The index measures community advantage and momentum from ACARA data, not teaching quality, so visit both schools before deciding.
How far apart are Barwon Heads Primary School and Our Lady Star of the Sea School?
About 5.1 km in a straight line, between Barwon Heads and Ocean Grove in Victoria.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Barwon Heads Primary School has 12.7 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Our Lady Star of the Sea School has 14.8.
How do Barwon Heads Primary School and Our Lady Star of the Sea School rank in VIC?
Barwon Heads Primary School is 166th of 1,290 and Our Lady Star of the Sea School is 346th of 1,290 among primary schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.